Minimalist Decluttering Tips for Small Spaces: How to Maximize Joy with Less
by Gideon Hest
Have you ever stood in the middle of your apartment or a small room and thought, "How did it get this crowded in here?" Trust me, you’re not alone. When you're working with small spaces, it’s so easy for every surface, corner, and drawer to overflow with “just one more thing.” But here's the thing—clutter isn’t just about the physical objects in your home. It’s about the mental and emotional weight those objects carry, especially in tight spaces.
I’ve noticed that living in a small space magnifies everything. Not just the mess, but also the emotions attached to it. It’s almost like your stuff feels louder when there’s less room for it to spread out. Every book, every knick-knack, every extra mug on the counter seems to say, “Hey, you can’t escape me.” And that’s why decluttering—especially in small spaces—requires more than just organization. It’s about making choices, about what you really need, and what’s just taking up precious room in your life.
Start by Defining Your Essentials
Minimalism isn’t about throwing everything away and living in a bare room. It's about getting real with yourself about what you need, what you love, and what serves you. In small spaces, this process becomes even more crucial because there’s simply less room to keep things that don’t pull their weight.
Ask Yourself What You Use Daily: It sounds basic, but this is a good starting point. Take a look at your kitchen counter or bathroom shelf. How much of what’s sitting there do you use every day? I used to keep so many “just in case” items. But in a small space, “just in case” turns into “always in the way.”
Love It or Let It Go: Another helpful question: Does it make you happy to look at this thing? In small spaces, aesthetics matter because you're constantly in close proximity to everything. If it’s not useful or beautiful to you, it’s probably time to let it go.
Get Brutal with Sentiment: Sentimental items are hard. I’ve had my share of keeping things out of guilt or nostalgia—those old birthday cards or that random souvenir. But I’ve realized, small spaces don’t give you the luxury of keeping things out of obligation. Hold onto one or two things that genuinely spark joy and take photos of the rest. The memory doesn’t live in the object itself, right?
Zones, Not Rooms: Creating Functional Space
In a small apartment or studio, rooms tend to blend together. Your kitchen might be part of your living room, which may even double as your home office. So, instead of thinking about how to declutter an entire room, think about zones of function.
Create Purposeful Zones: Divide your space by purpose, not by walls. The couch area can be your relaxation zone, the table can be for eating and working, and the shelves can hold only the things related to those activities. This way, you keep clutter from spreading across the space.
Limit Surfaces: It’s tempting to use every available surface to store things—after all, space is limited. But the more surfaces you fill, the more chaotic everything feels. Keep countertops and shelves as clear as possible, and use vertical storage (hooks, shelves) to keep things off the floor.
Multi-functional Furniture: When you’re decluttering a small space, you don’t just want to get rid of stuff—you want to make the most of the space you have. Furniture that serves multiple purposes can help. A coffee table with hidden storage or a bed with built-in drawers can give you extra storage without crowding your space with bulky cabinets.
I’ve found that the more intentional I am with each “zone,” the easier it is to keep clutter from sneaking back in. If every space in your home has a clear function, you’re more likely to put things back where they belong. And, maybe more importantly, you’ll feel less overwhelmed by the chaos.
Dealing with the Emotional Side of Decluttering
Let’s be real—getting rid of things can stir up all kinds of emotions. It’s not just about the objects themselves; it’s about the stories we tell ourselves about those objects. Maybe it’s the guilt of wasting money, or the fear of letting go of a memory. But in a small space, these emotional ties can take up more room than we realize.
Be Kind to Yourself: Decluttering isn’t easy, and you don’t have to do it all at once. I used to feel guilty for holding onto things longer than I needed to, but I’ve learned that decluttering is a process. It’s okay to start small—maybe with one drawer or one shelf.
Let Go of Perfection: Minimalism in small spaces doesn’t mean you have to have an Instagram-perfect home. It’s not about having less for the sake of it—it’s about finding the right balance for you. Some days, I catch myself thinking, “Shouldn’t I be doing more? Shouldn’t my space look more like those pictures online?” But I remind myself that minimalism isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
So, as you begin decluttering your small space, don’t worry about achieving some ideal. Focus on making room for what matters most to you—whether that’s space to breathe, to create, or to just relax. You’re not just clearing physical space; you’re clearing mental space, too.
Rethink Storage: Maximize What You Already Have
In small spaces, storage can feel like a luxury. There’s always this tension between wanting to hide things away and not having enough room to do so. But sometimes, the answer isn’t adding more storage—it’s rethinking how you use the space you already have.
Think Vertically: When floor space is limited, go up. I’ve found that walls are one of the most underutilized spaces in small homes. Floating shelves, hooks, and wall-mounted cabinets can give you extra storage without taking up precious square footage. Plus, keeping things off the floor gives the illusion of more space.
Hidden Storage: I mentioned multi-functional furniture before, but it’s worth emphasizing. Ottomans with storage inside, coffee tables with drawers, or even benches that open up—these can be lifesavers in a small space. I had this old trunk that doubled as a coffee table for years, and it was the perfect place to stash extra blankets and books when I didn’t want them lying around.
Use Clear Bins or Baskets: It seems so simple, but clear bins are one of my favorite tricks. They let you see what’s inside without having to rummage through everything. I use them in closets, under the bed, and even in the bathroom. It’s amazing how much easier it is to stay organized when you can see exactly what you have.
I’ve noticed that in small spaces, clutter often happens because things don’t have a designated spot. When you create a home for everything—whether it’s a basket for your shoes or a shelf for your mail—you’re less likely to let things pile up in random places.
One Thing In, One Thing Out: A Rule That Works
This is one of those minimalist tips that sounds so simple, yet it’s surprisingly powerful—especially in a small space. For every new thing you bring into your home, make it a habit to let go of something else.
Keep a Donation Box Handy: I’ve started keeping a small donation box in my closet. Whenever I buy a new shirt or pair of shoes, I take a minute to ask myself, “Is there something in here that I’m not wearing anymore?” It’s become a habit now, and I find that it keeps me from holding onto things I don’t really need.
Limit "Just In Case" Items: We’ve all done it—kept that extra set of measuring cups or those five pairs of black socks because, “What if I need them one day?” In small spaces, “just in case” can easily become “just in the way.” Letting go of those extras can make room for the things you actually use and love. And, let’s be honest—how often do we really need that third pair of scissors?
Mindful Shopping: This rule has a way of naturally slowing down your consumption. When you know that buying something new means letting go of something you already own, it forces you to ask, “Do I really need this? Is it worth taking up space in my home?” I’ve found this especially helpful when it comes to impulse buys.
Declutter Digital Spaces Too
This is one we often overlook, but digital clutter can weigh us down just as much as physical clutter—sometimes more. Small spaces are usually home to small desks or shared workspaces, and I’ve found that a cluttered digital life can make your whole environment feel chaotic, even if the room itself is tidy.
Clear Your Desktop: If your computer desktop looks like mine used to—scattered with random files, screenshots, and documents—it’s worth taking a few minutes to clear it up. I’ve started setting aside time once a week to organize my digital files. It’s kind of amazing how much lighter you feel when your screen isn’t bombarding you with clutter.
Unsubscribe from Email Lists: I used to get so many marketing emails that they’d pile up in my inbox, creating this low-level stress that I didn’t even realize was there. Taking the time to unsubscribe from lists you no longer care about can make your inbox feel much more manageable.
Limit Your Apps: Just like physical items, apps can clutter your phone or tablet. I’ve noticed that deleting unused apps gives me a sense of control over my digital space. It’s a small change, but in a world where we’re constantly connected, it can make a big difference in how clear and calm your mind feels.
Give Yourself Grace: Decluttering is a Journey
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that decluttering is never a one-time project. It’s ongoing, and that’s okay. Small spaces require constant attention, but that doesn’t mean you should aim for perfection.
Tackle Small Areas First: If the idea of decluttering your entire home feels too overwhelming, start with something small. Maybe it’s just one drawer or one corner of the room. When you start with small wins, it builds momentum. And before you know it, you’ve tackled much bigger spaces without even realizing it.
Celebrate Your Progress: It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about how much you still need to declutter. But don’t forget to acknowledge how far you’ve come. I’ve noticed that even small changes, like clearing out one shelf, can have a ripple effect. The space feels lighter, and that sense of calm can spread to other areas of your home (and life).
Let Go of Perfectionism: Minimalism, especially in small spaces, isn’t about creating a magazine-worthy home. It’s about making space for what matters most to you. Some days will be messier than others. That’s okay. Decluttering is about progress, not perfection.